Archive for March, 2014

Yes, Russia has 30,000 troops poised on Ukraine’s borders to take even more parts of that country. Yes, Syria’s civil war enters its third year. Yes, other nations once part of the Soviet Union look at Crimea and shake with fear. And, yes the rest of Europe and the United States plan economic war against Russia. But even more is going on across the globe that points to preparations for the next World War.

Consider China’s insistence that it controls all air and sea lanes in the East China Sea as part of its Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), excluding South Korea, Japan and other island nations from using those spaces without its O.K.

CNN reporter Madison Park explains China demanded that as of last November, any “aircraft in the area must report their flight plans to China, maintain two-way radio and clearly mark their nationalities on the aircraft.”

Japan’s Foreign Minister calls China’s demands “profoundly dangerous acts that unilaterally change the status quo in the East China Sea, escalating the situation, and that may cause unintended consequences.”

China’s neighbors are equally concerned about the explosive growth of its military. This year that nation’s ‘official’ defense budget is $ 132 billion, an increase of 12.2% over last year. But this week’s edition of ‘The Economist’ puts forth: “That was the official figure, though the real one may be 40% higher still.”

The Economist reports further: China’s excessive military growth “set off a flurry of alarm among neighboring countries. They see the relentless growth in China’s military spending—double-digit increases almost every year for the past two decades, and now the biggest in three years—as going hand-in-hand with a determination to settle sovereignty disputes in its ‘near seas’, that is, the Yellow, East China and South China Seas, on China’s own terms.”

Then there is China’s step child, North Korea, which fired two short-range rockets into the sea last week––the fifth of such firings this month alone. That nation’s petulance has so upset the world’s stage that ABC News writes “the leaders of the U.S., South Korea and Japan are set to meet and discuss North Korea in the Netherlands next week while attending a nuclear security summit.”

Meanwhile, in the midst of Russia’s Ukraine dust-up, other U.S. negotiators continue quiet negotiations with Iran, hoping to reach agreement on defusing that nation’s attempts for nuclear weapon production. But instead of being able to to laud their progress for the press, they are swamped with questions about Crimea.

Few report on Syria these days, except to indicate that Syria seems to have defeated the rebels. And there is even less said about Egypt where the chief military leader has stepped down to run for President––with Russia’s approval, by the way. Both of these nations need much more attention if people are to understand how close the world is to that final war.

Also ignored are the thousands of Christians radical Muslims slaughter in Africa each week––especially in Nigeria––or the falling economies crippling nations, such as Ghana and South Africa, on that continent. The same economic sickness also ripples throughout Central and South America.

If there were ever a time that Christians must pray for leaders of the United States––regardless of political affiliation––the time is now. For Ukraine, China, Korea, Africa, Syria, Latin America,+––the world looks to the U.S. for leadership. As Apostle Paul begs in Christian Messages: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (1 Timothy 2:1- 2).”

Rescue workers in Snohomish County, Washington, frustrated by piles of thick mud over four stories high, now estimate that some 90 additional victims lay buried under the hardening mud. Earlier this week it was believed that 176 persons were thought to be buried in the muck, but that figure was revised downward.

Experts say this horrible tragedy in Washington State could have been prevented if officials in charge of crucial decisions thought first about human safety rather than profits from real estate development, or unneeded logging.

Several factors may have contributed to these massive mud slides: 1) Higher than usual rain levels; 2) Extended logging permits; 3) Unexplained increases in building permits; and 4) Failure to inform residents of potential dangers.

In his L.A. Times article, Matt Pearce says to blame the mud slide on the rain: “Nearby Arlington has reported 7.33 inches of rain so far this month, almost double the average for March and the area’s fourth-wettest March on record.”

In ‘Logging One of the Causes of Giant Oso, WA Mudslide: Warning After Warning was Given,’ Ralph Maughan argues: “Although first reports from local officials after the lethal mud slide were basically, “we had no idea, a bolt from the blue, this came out of nowhere, an Act of God,” etc., they were lying!

“Many warnings were given over the years from experts, agencies and the state. There were actions to stop and limit the logging on the slope above the slide. However, even the large preliminary slide in 2006 (clearly evident on Google Earth) did not stop all the logging.” Next investigation: political pay-offs!

Mike Baker, Ken Armstrong and Hal Bernton of Associated Press adds in ‘State Allowed Logging on Plateau Above Slope’: “The plateau above the soggy hillside that gave way Saturday has been logged for almost a century, with hundreds of acres of softwoods cut and hauled away, according to state records.

“But in recent decades, as the slope has become more unstable, scientists have increasingly challenged the timber harvests, with some even warning of possible calamity. . . one clear-cut operation is visible in aerial photographs of Saturday’s monstrous mudslide. A triangle — 7½ acres, the shape of a pie slice — can be seen atop the destruction, its tip just cutting into where the hill collapsed.”

So far investigative reporters have not uncovered just why extended building permits were issued. Pearce writes: “One geomorphologist who has studied slides on the hill for decades, Daniel Miller, told the Seattle Times he was ‘shocked’ construction had continued in the area after a smaller 2006 mudslide on the same hill blocked the Stillaguamish River and threatened the homes in the area.”

As far as ‘failure to inform residents of potential dangers,’ Pearce insists: “The Seattle Times has obtained a 1999 report filed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers warning of “the potential for a large catastrophic failure on the hill where the mudslide happened.” But residence claim they were not warned.

The urgent point is: officials on city county, state and national levels must now make decisions with much more respect for nature’s dangerous changes in these days of Global Warming. When making decisions affecting people, such officials must learn, as Apostle Paul instructs in wholesale Christian Bibles, “ . . . whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10: 31).”

Those sanctions Russian President Putin placed on the United States proves, among other things, that he has no understanding of America, or of its history, or of the democratic politics that rule this country as done by, of and for its people.

In contrast, Russia is and always has been accustomed to one-person rule, first under kingly czars, and then by a lone Communist leader. Both ruled by domineering force, often with brutality and murders. As once head of the monstrous secret KGB death and torture squad, such rule is all Putin knows.

But the fall of the Soviet Union changed all of that. Fifteen countries––i.e. Ukraine, Poland, Belarus, etc. with hundreds of thousands of people––got out from under Russia’s thumb. The great Russian empire had collapsed. And neither Putin nor the Russian people ever got over it.

Unlike the sham democracy in Putin’s Russia where everyone in his cabinet and parliament were selected to rubber-stamp his every move, the Senators he sanctioned are not the U.S. President’s hand-picked cronies or special friends. In fact, in some cases, they are his political enemies.

Putin’s punishments may have blocked American politicians from visiting Russia, when in fact they have no desire to do so. But the U.S. stranglehold on the bank where Russian oligarchs hide their wealth brings grave financial consequence.

Going up against the United States, the greatest national power on the face of the earth, the Russians are playing a weak hand from a rather weak position. Such power enables the U.S. to haunt Putin and his personal political connections. Of course, Putin does not have the power to respond in kind.

Proving he doesn’t understand this country, Putin served prevention papers on Senator John McCain. Does he think the U.S. President and Sen. McCain are good friends? How does he explain the Senator’s speeches against the President? Such a speech would cost Putin’s political opponents serious jail time.

The United States, Germany and other western countries have been trying for years to placate Putin to no avail. He, and most of his people, yearn for times when they had the world’s respect as a great empire. Now Russia is a mere nation.

And Putin is an outcast, seen by the world––i.e. the United Nations––as a bully and a liar. His take over of Crimea has cost him membership in the G-8, a group of world leaders––Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States––who cooperate for peaceful purposes. It goes back to being the G-7. He is not invited, and Russia is no longer seen as an equal.

As Russia’s president pouts and considers his options, he views China, Russia’s step-child, as a vast empire. He sees Germany has amassed an EU economic empire. And he pines away for more incursions, anxious to get his empire back.

A man short in statue, but long in pride, Putin casts an ominous shadow upon the world stage. Working with Syria and Iran––two other nations craving return of historical empires––he sees a way to gain his goal through threats and mini-wars.

But such attempts to turn back the tide of history will only lead to War World III, and ultimate failure. As well- used Christian Bibles underline: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).” Only, the pity is, Putin will not fall alone, he will take millions to eternity with him!

Perhaps American leaders have awakened to the imminent disasters Global Warming poses for this nation and the world. The White House is recruiting professional spokespeople to assist in convincing Congress that Climate Change is real. It has also opened a new website to further education citizens on the subject.

Richard K. DeAtley of pe.com of San Bernardino, writes that Jack Dangermond, Founder and President of ESRI, the Redlands geographic information systems firm, “has joined a White House initiative to make data about global warming and its effects available online.” Other scientists and technocrats have also joined in the effort:

In ‘Scientists Sound Alarm on Climate’ for The New York Times Justin Gillis introduces Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Mario J. Molina, who “helped discover a global environmental emergency” is the major force behind a new AAAS position:

“Now, at 70, Dr. Molina is trying to awaken the public to an even bigger risk. He spearheaded a committee of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the world’s largest general scientific society, which released a stark report Tuesday on Global Warming.”

In their statement AAAS warns: “As scientists, it is not our role to tell people what they should do. But we consider it our responsibility as professionals to ensure, to the best of our ability, that people understand what we know:

“Human-caused climate change is happening, we face risks of abrupt, unpredictable and potentially irreversible changes, and responding now will lower the risks and costs of taking action.

“The evidence is overwhelming: Levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are rising. Temperatures are going up. Springs are arriving earlier. Ice sheets are melting. Sea level is rising. The patterns of rainfall and drought are changing. Heat waves are getting worse, as is extreme precipitation. The oceans are acidifying.”

If only they had included this winter’s obnoxious endless snow falls as further proof that Global Warming’s gift may well include types of polar vortex shifts that could indeed bring the movie ‘The Day After Tomorrow’ to reality.

Anyway, New York legislators are certainly convinced. According to Maria Gallucci of Inside Climate News, those state regulators now require their huge utility company, Con Edison, “to integrate climate science into all of its planning, construction and budget decisions.” Those wise regulators remembers that:

“Superstorm Sandy’s 9.8-foot storm surge drowned Lower Manhattan . . . [and] more than a million Con Edison customers were left in the dark after key substations were submerged, and after fallen trees and strong winds crippled three-fourths of overhead power lines and poles.”

They are further concerned that Global Warming “could black out the nation’s financial capital and disrupt services like cell phone networks and water and gasoline supplies.” Now is the time for other state officials act likewise.

The adage says “Time Is Running Out.” The problem with old adages is that malicious leaders ignore them. Nor do they regard requirements for leadership in God’s Christian messages which warn: “The haters of The LORD should have submitted themselves unto Him: but their time should have endured for ever (Psalms 81: 15).” Rewards await only those working with God to save mankind!

In this third anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, several scientists strongly suggest that, the United States must increase inspection protocols, maintenance, and safety regulations of this country’s nuclear energy plants.

“The aging fleet of U.S. reactors, which will increasingly operate beyond their initial 40-year term license terms, is now facing severe competitive pressures in wholesale competitive power markets, setting up difficult tradeoffs between low-carbon electricity supply, continued commercial viability, and the new investment required to sustain public safety.

“Many of the oldest nuclear units are General Electric Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs), with undersized Mark 1 and Mark II primary containments that the NRC has known for decades are especially vulnerable to hydrogen leaks [as in Fukushima] under the pressure conditions expected to occur in severe accidents.”

Elizabeth Heyd, and Jay Branegan of The Natural Resources Defense Council also headlined last week ‘NRDC: U.S. Nuclear Regulators Still Not Doing Enough to Prevent Fukushima-like Hydrogen Explosions’:

“. . . the Government Accountability Office issued a report on how nuclear regulators in the U.S. and 15 other countries are responding to the lessons learned.
The GAO found that while all the countries have taken steps to improve nuclear safety systems, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has not yet decided how or whether to require upgrades to nuclear plants’ automated systems for transmitting critical data to the NRC.

“By delaying its decision on upgrades to enable the system to function under emergency conditions, the system may not function when needed most—during a severe accident,” the GAO said. NRDC claimed the same in its earlier report.

Roxanne Palmer of International Business Times quotes nuclear engineer David Lochbaum, co-author’s of the Union of Concerned Scientists new book on the Fukushima disaster that Japan’s safety precautions are the same as in the U.S.:

“One of the most likely scenarios that could cause a meltdown is a flood. Nuclear reactors require a lot of water to carry away their waste heat, so they’re generally built next to oceans, lakes or rivers.

“Plants near lakes and rivers are often located downstream of a dam. In that case, if a dam bursts, the plant could be flooded and lose power, similarly to what happened at the Fukushima plant when the tsunami hit. In 2009, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff identified about 35 reactors in the U.S. (out of the 100 currently operating) that were vulnerable to dam failures, . . .”

Since I assigned my assistants in the U.S. to research safety issues in nuclear plants, I have not gotten over our last blog revealing that plants deliberately release nuclear waste into ocean waters. This means they are poisoning fish Americans eat. Now we find these obnoxious mechanisms can explode from dams collapsing! Whose idea was it to place such dangerous systems near essential water supplies?

This is too much! Heaven help us! That is our only hope. As many verses on Christian clothing wholesale undoubtedly prove: “It is of The LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not (Lamentations 3: 22).”

Russia’s move yesterday toward over-taking the rest of Ukraine has thrown world economies into a tail-spin––including the billionaire fortunes of its oligarchy. U.S. stock markets fell several points. They remain nervous today.

Much of the concern is over Russia’s threat on its ‘right’ to invade all of Ukraine in order to “control violence” if Crimean residents vote this Sunday to secede from Ukraine and join the Russian federation.

Secretary of State Kerry’s attempts today to mediate a settlement with Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, failed. Kerry told the Washington Post: “there will be consequences if Russia does not find a way to change course.” And he said there would be “an even greater response” if Russia were to “threaten the Ukrainian people,” such as by sending forces into eastern Ukraine.

Pointing out that China’s economy is also in down-fall, today’s ‘Investor’s Business Daily’ headlines: “U.S. stocks fell on higher volume Thursday, erasing this year’s gains for the S&P 500, as tensions in Ukraine and weaker data from China overshadowed reports showing an improving American economy.”

Agnes Lovasz of bloomberg.com avers: “President Vladimir Putin’s brinkmanship in Ukraine has already cost some of his closest comrades billions of dollars. The other 144 million Russians may also pay a price.”

Lovasz quotes Timothy Ash, chief emerging-market economist at Standard Bank Group Ltd. in London: “Russia will be the big loser of the crisis in Ukraine . . . There’ll be a big hit to domestic and foreign confidence, less investment and likely increased outflows, likely losses for Russian banks with exposure in Ukraine, a weaker ruble and weaker growth and recovery.”
In ‘Putin’s Ukraine Gambit Hurts Economy as Allies Lose Billions, Lovasz points out: “The tensest standoff with the West since the end of the Cold War is exposing the weakness of an economy rebuilt on the back of the energy industry. With oil and gas accounting for more than half of all exports and energy prices stagnant, the growth potential is all but exhausted, prompting officials in Moscow to sound the recession alarm.” But a new economic war is a much louder alarm!

Thus, this whole Ukrainian drama may be to cover up the fact that Russia’s economy is failing, even as those in the rest of Europe and the U.S. recover! However, instead of helping its economy, the ‘war’ in Ukraine may well worsen it.

Karl Henkel on The Detroit News writes today in ‘Ukraine Crisis Makes Carmakers Wary of Russia’: “The geopolitical struggle over Ukraine could slow growth in Russia’s auto market, which until recently was considered a diamond in the rough . . . but the problems facing [it] aren’t confined to its reaction to the uncertainty over the future of Crimea in the Ukraine.”

As discussed in the last ‘economy blog,’ Russia’s attempts to play offense in an economic war, belies its extremely defensive position. Vladimir Putin is a very proud man who wants his nation to be on par with the U.S. and E.U. To cover up his country’s failures, he will push for land and economic expansion until it starts a hot World War III, and China will, of course, join him for the same reasons.

But as used Christian Bibles promise: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16: 18).” Only this time, Putin will bring down many more in destruction other than himself, Russia, or the Ukraine!

Now the U.S. government joins Japan and its Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) to deny the dangers of high levels of cesium radiation seeping into the Pacific Ocean that have now reached the United States. Both governments insists amounts of exposure are low, but scientists disagree.

Philip Ross in ‘Fukushima Radiation To Reach West Coast In April, Experts Weigh In On How Dangerous It Is’ posits that cesium isotopes “are among the most dangerous radionuclides because they emit flesh-penetrating gamma rays.”

Ross adds: “ Radioactive isotopes decay over time, but their half-lives, meaning the time it takes for half the isotope to break down into a more stable material, can be pretty long. Cesium 134, for example, has a half-life of two years.

Among the most alarming things his U.S.A. Today article includes is: “Since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, scientists say as many as 20 trillion becquerels of cesium 137, 10 trillion becquerels of strontium 90 and 40 trillion becquerels of tritium were released into the Pacific Ocean.

“Let’s not forget, however, that our oceans already contain vast amounts of radiation from nuclear power plants across the globe. Plants routinely pump radioactive water into our oceans, albeit less dangerous isotopes than cesium.”

Mikael Thalen of storyleak.com reveals that scientists collecting kelp off the coast of San Diego claim to have indeed found cesium in Pacific waters. Dr. Matthew Edwards, of San Diego State University explains: “. . . academic institutions have begun receiving results from samples of Bull Kelp and Giant Kelp collected along the California coast.

“Despite media attempts to downplay the ongoing disaster, the discovery has only confirmed the continued build up of radiation in West Coast waters. We’re trying to figure out how much is there and . . . is getting into the ecosystem.”

Thalen adds that––although the government denies any connection––some 70 American sailors from the USS Ronald Reagan who were part of rescue efforts during the 2011 Fukushima catastrophic nuclear spillage in Japan are now sick with brain tumors, thyroid cancers and leukemia.

With radiation levels over 1,400% above normal found on one California beach, ‘Bloomberg Business Week’ agrees that U.S. nuclear plants routinely dump radioactive chemicals into oceans: “The runoff from the Japanese plant will mingle with radiation released by other atomic stations, such as Diablo Canyon.”

“Under normal operations, Diablo Canyon in California discharges more radiation into the sea, albeit of a less dangerous isotope, than the Fukushima station, which suffered the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl.”

Strangely, no known federal agency is monitoring U.S. Pacific Coasts waters for high levels of radiation. Maybe its because officials already know how such radiation slowly poisons this nation’s fish, deep aquifers and drinking water. Shame on such leaders to depend upon such evil affectations to make a profit.

Christians must beg The LORD Jesus’ soon return to earth. Only He can save mankind from ruination. As Bible prophecies promise: “ . . . the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).”

Those reporting on U.S.EU-Russian tensions in the Ukraine seldom dwell on what the economic costs would be if the situation is not soon resolved. The United States has good reason to want Russia to back off its military aggression in Ukraine and the Crimea. Failure to do so will cost the U.S. and Europe great economic loss.

Tyler Allen of ibisworld.com warns: “Although the United States will likely remain unaffected in the short term, a prolonged or growing crisis could lead to long-term economic consequences, including trade sanctions and spikes in commodity prices.”

Ukraine and Crimea export 10% to 17% of global wheat and coarse grain production. “Fears that grain exports from the region could be interrupted caused agricultural commodity prices to spike.”

In ‘Ukraine and U.S. Economics: The Fiscal Consequences of Conflict Between Russia and Ukraine,’ Allen adds: “Russia is a growing market and supply chain partner for the US automotive, aerospace and energy sectors.

“Last year, US auto manufacturers exported $1.2 billion worth of goods to Russia, according to the United States International Trade Commission (ITC). General Motors, the largest auto manufacturer in the United States, sold 258,000 vehicles in Russia, giving it a 9.1% share of the total market in the country.”

In ‘5 Reasons War in Ukraine Should Worry You,’ Rich Smith lists the many ways Russia’s invasion in Ukraine can eventually affect world economic markets, including: 1) Oil companies: Royal Dutch Shell, Chevron and Exxon, have $ 10 billion exploration agreements with Ukraine––disruption would affect gas prices; 2) Steelmakers: ArcelorMittal has one of the largest steel mills in Europe;

3) Consumer Goods: “Any number of consumer goods count Ukraine as an important market. Western purveyors of detergent, toothpaste, food goods, and so on, all operate within Ukraine, and many own subsidiaries in the country.

4) Military Suppliers: In order for Ukraine to strengthen its military weaknesses, it will eventually have to acquire better weapons; and that would call for: 5) Airplane Makers: Smith advises “Ukraine is an important market for foreign commercial aircraft. Ukraine International Airlines has four Boeing 737-900s on order. UTair-Ukraine is an even bigger customer––and has 40 Boeing new 737s on order.” A cancellation would greatly affect the U.S. economy.

Danny Vinik adds in ‘The Crisis in Ukraine Could Hurt Your Wallet:’ “. . . the chance of an armed conflict in Ukraine is growing by the hour. If that happens, there would be economic costs that could ripple across the global economy—and even cause higher gas prices and plane fares in the U.S.”

He and other economists explain the European Union would sustain even greater losses in crude oil and natural gas as the EU imports 85% of these fuels from Russia. “But prices are set by the global market. Any supply shocks in Europe that send prices higher will have ripple effects that raise gas prices in the United States.” Vinik writes that such prospects already affect economic markets.

This blog’s sister site, worldscollide-culture-christianity-endoftime.com speaks continually of the pending World War III. But there is more than one type of war. Now it appears that the world is indeed headed for an all-out economic war.

As phrases often embedded in Christian Word puzzles say, now is the time to pray and to: “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called . . . (1 Timothy 6: 12).” A believer’s faithful prayer changes things.

With everything from movie snacks, to breakfast foods, to afternoon lunch snacks––to name a few––Americans must start watching what they eat, by not just looking for food that taste’s good, but for food that’s healthy!

In ‘Why Do Movie Theaters Sell Such Lousy Corporate Garbage Food?’ Hannah Gold expounds: “Snacks are a cash cow for theaters, providing some 85 percent in net profits. But no one really goes after the food Americans eat in movie theaters, which is mostly bits of corn syrup, food starch, malic acid and artificial colors, encapsulated in a sugary ether. . . . there are 1,200 calories in just one medium-size bag of popcorn and three times the saturated fat” in personal pizza.

Not going to the movies? How about breakfast at home. Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, says “Many of the “fruits” used in popular breakfast cereals are really just fake fruits made out of refined factory ingredients like: Artificial coloring chemicals, GMO corn starch, GMO soybean oil and corn syrup solids.”

He ends his report, ‘Investigation: Breakfast Cereal ‘Fruits’ and ‘Berries’ are Faked; Made from Crazy Chemicals” with: “In the minds of big food corporations, Americans are truly complete morons who will eat almost anything as long as it’s artificially colored and shaped to resemble a piece of fruit.”

Even more shocking, grist.org’s Holly Richmond writes in ‘New Hot Pockets Flavor: Diseased Animal Meat!’: “Hot Pockets—the impressively flavorless doughy pouch encircling questionable meat and cheese—just got grosser. One of its suppliers, Rancho Feeding Corporation, recalled almost 9 million pounds of beef last week because it was ‘diseased and unsound’.”

She quotes the U.S. Department of Agriculture about the diseased meat: “[T]he products are adulterated, because they are unsound, unwholesome, or otherwise are unfit for human food.” Then she adds: “One Philly Steak & Cheese Hot Pocket has 540 calories, 19 grams of fat, and a whopping 1,240 mg of sodium —more than half the recommended daily amount.” Add that to poison meat!
Drug dealers in Europe find they make more money from manufacturing artificial foods than selling drugs. Even Andrews of grist.org exposes: “Departments of Interpol and Europol are beginning to crack down on gangs profiting off of a fairly new form of illegal activity: food fraud.

“Former drug dealers have hung up their dime bags and moved into the food counterfeiting game because, as it’s still in its nascent stages, legal consequences are almost negligible.” However, Spanish olives are washed in deodorant, cheap alcohol is mixed with industrial solvent, and canned ‘tuna’ is made of mystery-fish. And some of those ‘foods’ are shipped to America.

Then there’s that ‘yoga mat’ in some fast food breads. But Allison Aubrey in ‘Almost 500 Foods Contain The ‘Yoga Mat’ Compound. Should We Care?,’ adds: “A report from the Environmental Working Group finds that the compound, azodicarbonamide, is found in close to 500 food products, from Pillsbury Dinner Rolls to Little Debbie products to Wonder Bread.” Food specialists argue all substitute unnatural chemicals must be immediately removed from U.S. foods.

Wholesale Christian Bibles agree. Since Genesis, God makes says He provides food first for man’s health, and then for man’s enjoyment. But that He did not provide food for a few to gain wealth by deception: “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6: 17).”

As California fights droughts and soil-erosions, the rest of the U.S. still watch drought-dry lands. It’s the same story around the world––Africa, Europe, South America, Middle East––drought, poisoned water or no water at all.

Either Americans have no concern about drought in other countries, or as most here only receive ‘pre-approved news,’ the United States primarily stays very isolated from news about drought in other parts of the world.

Alonso Soto and Luciana Otoni of reuters.com say drought in Brazil has “. . . has depleted reservoirs in Brazil’s industrial southeast and sapped output at hydroelectric plants, forcing utilities to turn to more expensive thermal energy to guarantee power supplies and avoid further blackouts or even rationing.”

American Dream Guest Post writes in ‘The Drought In Brazil Has Gotten So Bad That 142 Cities Are Now Rationing Water’: “ . . .some neighborhoods are only being allowed to get water once every three days? At this point, 142 Brazilian cities are rationing water and there does not appear to be much hope that this crippling drought is going to end any time soon.”

In “Millions Face Drought, Famine and Climate Change on the Eastern Horn of Africa, Heather Libby claims: “Right now in the Eastern Horn of Africa, more than ten million people are struggling through the worst drought in six decades. Many countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and Djibouti stand on the brink of famine, and there is little or no likelihood of improvement . . . .”

Drought is so sever in Queensland, Australia that charities launched the 2014 Drought Appeal to aid farmers. In ‘Lifeline’s Drought Appeal,’ Melody Labinsky quotes Charity head Derek Tuffield,: “She spoke about a number of farmers in her area who were reporting they were out of fuel for their motor vehicle, struggling to put food on the table and ultimately would struggle to pay for utilities.”

In ‘Europe Seen Facing More Droughts This Century on Climate Change,’ Rudy Ruitenberg of Bloomberg.com reports on a study by European Union’s Joint Research Center and Germany’s University of Kassel, published in the journal, Hydrology and Earth System Sciences.:

“Many river basins, particularly in southern Europe, will probably become more prone to periods of reduced water supply as average global temperatures rise. . . Minimum river flows may fall as much as 40 percent in Spain and Portugal and the south of France and Italy.” In the past 30 years droughts in Europe have cost $ 136 billion dollars. And those experts contend that figure will only rise.

Kyle James writes that Europe is turning to desalination as a solution. And in West Virginia and other parts of the globe, people turn to processes of harvesting rainwater. Of course that West Virginia water was poisoned by coal processing plant run-offs. While people struggle to get clean drinkable water, few government officials attack the root causes of Global Warming––an over-industrialized planet.

Man needs few things to live: food, water and air. Food depends on water. Christians around the world must pray for rain, and for governments to start more vigorous fights against Global Warming.

Just as God provided for Israel in water-less deserts after their escape from Egypt, wholesale Christian Bibles repeat He can do it again: “He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers (Psalms 78: 16).”